General Beach Cleanup
Collect trash and marine debris from the beach and place in provided bags. Carry filled bags above the high tide line and leave them in piles. No special skills are required. Participants must be able to bend repeatedly and pick up and carry items of varying weight and size. For a better idea of what's involved, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Know Before You Go
On the morning of April 21st, low tide will occur around 7:43 a.m. (-.3 ft.). High tide will occur around 2:17 p.m. (+8.0 ft.). Check the weather forecast for the coast and plan your clothing and supplies accordingly. It's a good idea to have layers that help protect you from water, wind, and cold. For more information about safety, clothing, tools, lodging, and dogs, see our Frequently Asked Questions page. For directions or questions about your beach, refer to your beach signup page or contact your beach coordinator (listed on the signup page).
Check-in Time and Location
Please check in before beginning any cleanup activities. On-site registration, orientation and instructions will be provided upon arrival. All volunteers must register and sign a State Parks volunteer timesheet. Check in will be at the end of the Chance a La Mer approach, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Recycling
 If you would like to take recyclables back home with you, please do. However, please be aware that most recycling companies will not accept highly degraded items or anything filled with wet sand or other beach muck. They only want the really clean household stuff like yogurt cups and plastic water bottles. If you take any debris back with you, be sure to bag it up tightly (stinky), keep it away from curious kids and dogs (messy), and don't take any sharp items (safety hazard - ouch!).
Beach Features:
Year-round ocean beach approach in the heart of Ocean Shores. Adjacent to the ocean beach and dunes, this approach is located near hotels and shopping locations, and includes ten individual restrooms and plentiful parking. Basic Safety Guidelines:
- Wear gloves, proper clothing, and water-resistant shoes.
- Do not touch medical waste, dead animals, hazardous materials or sharp objects. If you are uncertain about an item, do not touch it.
- Do not approach wildlife.
- Report hazardous items that cannot be removed to event staff.
- Work with a partner.
- Be careful of unstable banks, steep slopes, or slippery surfaces.
- Do not try to lift anything that is too heavy for you. Ask for help!
- Watch for poison oak, plants with thorns, or other natural hazards.
- Watch for any trucks or equipment that might be used in the project.
- When driving on the beach (State Parks only), stay on compacted sand. Do not drive onto high tideland where sand is soft or onto very wet sand areas.
Debris Data Program
 The amount and type of debris you find on our beaches gives evidence of its globally diverse sources and its impact on ocean ecosystems. Help us analyze what it all means by participating in our data collection program. If you will be at the cleanup with a group, please download our Debris Data Card and fill out as you clean the beach (also available at check in). One group member should fill out the form while others call out their findings. After the cleanup, simply go online and transfer your findings to our debris database. Collective results will be available online to anyone seeking to understand and reduce the effects of marine debris.
Special Information:
Participants should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for cold, windy and rainy weather conditions. Depending on conditions and tides, all beach areas in this location will be open to driving.
More Information:
For more information about volunteering at this location, please contact a park ranger at Ocean City State Park, 360-289-3553.
Beach Location & Directions:
Located one-half-mile within the city of Ocean Shores, on W Chance A La Mer NW. From Hoquiam, drive 16 miles west on SR 109, then turn south on SR 115, drive 3 miles to the city of Ocean Shores. Turn right on Ocean Shores Blvd. Take a right onto W Chance A La Mer NW. |
